Holtby exits after taking stick to the face

Braden Holtby was forced to leave Saturday's game after Columbus Blue Jackets forward Cam Atkinson's stick hit him through the mask.

Holtby gets clipped by Atkinson's high stick... Copley replaces him in net. #CapsJackets pic.twitter.com/bSfYX0Y6rZ

- NBC Sports Capitals (@NBCSCapitals) January 13, 2019

The Washington Capitals goaltender appeared to have difficulty opening his eye afterward.

Holtby looked like he couldn't keep his left eye open after getting hit pic.twitter.com/wuOow23gXc

- HockeyKot (@hockeykot) January 13, 2019

Atkinson was assessed a minor penalty for high-sticking.

Pheonix Copley replaced Holtby, who departed immediately after the incident at the 8:43 mark of the second period.

After the game, Capitals head coach Todd Reirden told reporters, including The Associated Press' Stephen Whyno, postgame that Holtby will be evaluated more Saturday night, adding that he was very concerned when it happened and expects an update Sunday.

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